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How do you describe Cirque du Soleil to someone who's never attended a performance?

What you have in Cirque du Soleil is a striking, dramatic mix of the circus arts and street entertainment. Wild, outrageous costumes, magical lighting, all set to original music, all choreographed brilliantly . . . and each presentation follows a theme.

Evelyn and I were invited to attend the premiere showing last Friday of Cirque du Soleil. It is playing at the Del Mar Fairgrounds through February 10th.

The English translation of Cirque du Soleil is Circus of the Sun. And that, in essence, is what it is but what a circus! There are no animals . . . only people. Very, very talented people! Acrobats, tumblers, trapeze artists, dancers, gymnasts, clowns, and original music that is non-stop from the opening scenes. They employ strong emotional music that is played from the beginning to end by live musicians, not taped music.

For those who have never seen a Cirque du Soleil presentation, it helps to understand the background. Originally, there were a group of street performers . . . stilt walkers, gymnasts, fire-eaters, dancers . . . all types of talented, athletic artists. Known then as the High Heels Club . . .(largely due to their stilt walking) they decide to expand their presentation and stage a festival. It was a brilliant success. The government in Quebec hears it, sees it, and supports it. Soon, in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is formed and it has grown magically ever since.

Grand Chapiteau

As the magic of Cirque du Soleil caught on and thrilled more and more audiences, it began touring internationally. It's beautiful blue with yellow swirled big top grew from its original size, able to accommodate 800 to today's mini-city of blue and yellow swirled big tops that form a small city for entertainment and moving merchandise, both food and souveneirs, and today . . . you can seat 2700 guests at a time. As you enter the big top (which they call the 'Grand Chapiteau,' you are immediately aware that you are part of a first class operation. The stadium seating is tidy, neat, comfortable, the stage is set, awaiting the actors and the music; some of the lighting is already there . . . but it will grow.
Performances always sell out and hard nosed, skeptical critics rave about it . . . as, indeed, I am right now. It is simply the most magnificent show of shows.
Each show is a synthesis of circus styles from around the world and has its own central theme and storyline which brings the audience into the performance by having no curtains, and continuous live music. The multiple permanent Las Vegas shows alone play to more than 9,000 people a night—5% of the city's visitors—adding to the 70+ million people who have experienced Cirque. To see just a sample of what Cirque du Soleil is all about, go to this website: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8718546827091851639

Tickets are a bit pricey, but they are worth every penny. Pay $50.00 to $85.00 for adults, $35.00 - $59.50 for Children (ages 2-12), $45.00 - $76.50 for Students (13+) and Seniors (65+). They offer weekday performances on Tuesday - Thursday, and Friday at 4:00 p.m. You can order tickets online at: cirquedusoleil.com.

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